Tying the knot

Congratulations to Bundoran Crew Members Laura McNulty and Richard Gillespie, who got married in July. Lifeboating must be in their blood, because both Laura and Richard have family on the crew. Laura’s dad, Joe, was a founding member of Bundoran Inshore Rescue Service (the predecessor of Bundoran RNLI). Her brother Kealan and Richard’s brother Brian are both helms on the lifeboat. Laura says: ‘We thought it would be special to get a photo with the lifeboat on our big day. It was a challenge getting onto the boat in my massive dress but I stuck on a pair of yellow wellies and up I went!’

Like father like son

Martyn ‘Mini’ Fry has been a lifeguard for 35 years – and his son, 19-year-old Tremayne, joined him 2 years ago. Mini works the season at Summerleaze Beach in Cornwall, while Tremayne is stationed
at neighbouring Crooklets. Last summer, father and son joined forces to rescue a group cut off by the tide. With the help of Bude’s inshore lifeboat, they brought three people and two dogs to safety. ‘I’m very proud,’ Mini says of his son. ‘They grow up quick. I remember the day he was born, I was working on the beach. And now he’s just 150m away, working on another beach. I think he’ll be around for a while, doing the same thing as his dad.’

Whitby coxswain hangs up wellies

After 30 years of loyal service, Whitby Coxswain Mike Russell has retired from the crew. Mike says: ‘I’ve been on the lifeboat crew since before my two sons were born; they’ve never known any different. I’m looking forward to being able to give them more of my time, especially my two grandchildren, Storm and
Henry. ‘The crew have been my family for the last 30 years too. I’ve seen them grow up and flourish and I will enjoy watching them take over the reins.’ Despite retiring from the crew, Mike will still be around at the station – he’s got a new volunteer role as chairman to get stuck into!

Baby on Board

Tynemouth lifeboat crew are celebrating something special: the christening of baby Frankie. Frankie’s dad, Andrew, is a crew member at Tynemouth and the christening took place onboard the station’s Severn class lifeboat, Spirit of Northumberland. The traditional christening font was replaced with an upturned ship’s bell from the lifeboat, held by Second Coxswain Ian Black.
We wonder if baby Frankie will follow in
his father’s footsteps?

Celebrating life
Join us in remembering our RNLI Family members
who have recently passed away.
Danny Hayes – October 2017
Lifelong supporter at Sligo Bay Lifeboat Station
Nigel Honan – May 2017
Chairman for Basingstoke Branch
Brian Jeffrey – October 2017
Volunteer at the Mumbles Lifeboat Station
Sheila Lord – September 2017
Treasurer for Newquay Branch
Don Luff – November 2017
Founder and former Treasurer of St Germans Branch
Terry Musselwhite – September 2017
Former Senior Foreman at Poole Depot
Janet Rowlinson – October 2017
Treasurer at Wem Branch
Ian Shorter – February 2017
Treasurer for Pangbourne Branch
Vic Stimson – May 2017
President and former Deputy Launching Authority
at Plymouth Lifeboat Station
Margaret Tillotson – October 2017
Volunteer at the Port of Liverpool Branch and the Mirfield Branch
Richard Turner Jones – September 2017
Secretary at Church Stretton Branch